A meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials involving 12,288 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that community-based management models and telemedicine-based care led to better respiratory outcomes, increased exercise capacity, and fewer symptom exacerbations compared with usual care. Both models showed improvements in lung function, symptom severity, physical endurance, and frequency of acute exacerbations, with community-based programs performing better in some aspects. High heterogeneity was observed across the studies, calling for further research to determine the long-term impact on quality of life.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine